EasyCLA

What is LFX EasyCLA?

LFX EasyCLA

LFX EasyCLA is the only CLA management tool that correctly supports both individual and corporate CLA workflows in an automated environment.

Key Features

• Streamlined Workflows: Simplifies workflows for project maintainers, contributors, and organizations with contributing employees.

• Automated Processes: Coordinates the process of getting CLAs signed and authorizing employees to contribute under a signed CLA.

• Open Source: Hosted by The Linux Foundation, this open source solution automates manual processes.

Benefits

• Reduced Delays: Helps developers quickly get authorized under a CLA.

• Efficient Contributions: Streamlines the contribution process for open source projects that use CLAs.

Summary

Contributor License Agreements (CLAs) are facilitated by LFX EasyCLA, ensuring a smooth and efficient contribution process for all parties involved.

What is a CLA?

Some projects use a Contributor License Agreement (CLA) to define the terms under which content (such as source code or documentation) is contributed to the project.

Not all projects use CLAs; many use alternative contribution mechanisms, such as the Developer Certificate of Origin sign-off process. However, for projects that utilize CLAs, tools like LFX EasyCLA help ensure that contributions are only merged into the project if the contributors have signed a valid CLA.

Types of CLAs

There are two main types of CLAs:

1. Corporate Contributor License Agreement (CCLA)

• Used when a contribution is made on behalf of a company, typically by an employee.

• The individual signing the CCLA must have the authority to bind the company legally, which is often not the case for the contributors themselves.

• After signing a CCLA, the CLA Manager uses the EasyCLA Corporate Console to manage the list of authorized contributors.

1. Individual Contributor License Agreement (ICLA)

• Required for contributors who own their work.

• Before their contributions can be merged into the project repository, contributors must sign an ICLA.

Once a contributor has been authorized under a signed CLA, they can proceed to contribute to the project without facing any restrictions imposed by the EasyCLA checks.

How Does EasyCLA Work?

Following is a high-level diagram showing the different flows and roles that EasyCLA supports:

CLA Flow Diagram

Different Consoles of EasyCLA:

• EasyCLA Project Console for a project's director or manager (typically an LF staff member) to oversee the project's CLA setup. It is sometimes referred to as the LFX Project Control Center in this documentation.
• EasyCLA Contributor Console for a contributor to a project to sign an Individual CLA (ICLA) or to start the corporate CLA (CCLA) signature process.
• EasyCLA Corporate Console for a company's CLA Manager to coordinate the corporate CLA signature process and then manage their company's authorized contributors.

Quick Help

For information about contributing to a project that uses EasyCLA, please see Getting Started and our FAQs page.

For support questions, see our Troubleshooting page or file a support ticket.